The Spireites will be without captain Ian Evatt, who had to withdraw from Saturday’s match with Stevenage due to a knee injury. There is better news however for Robbie Weir, who is expected to return after missing the match at the Lamex Stadium due to tonsillitis.

Jack Lester will also be without injury victims Joe Anyon, Bradley Barry, Laurence Maguire, Jordan Sinnott, Jordan Flores and Gozie Ugwu for the clash with the Railway Men.

Crewe on the other hand have no new injury worries ahead of the clash with Town.

Manager – David Artell

Artell took over the reins at the Alexandra Stadium in January, following the departure of Steve Davis. Prior to taking charge of the first team, Artell held the post of operations manager in the club’s academy.

After a promising start to the campaign – including a 5-1 win over the Spireites in September – the Alex currently find themselves in 20th position in League Two, three places above Town, with three more points.

As a player, Artell played for 11 clubs across an 18-year career, including 82 appearances for Crewe – whom he captained to League One promotion in 2012.

Towards the latter stages of his career, Artell earned seven caps for Gibraltar, one of which came against world champions, Germany.

One to watch – George Cooper

Left sided midfielder Cooper came through the club’s academy, making his first team debut in the 2014/15 season.

Since that time the 21-year-old has gone on to establish himself in the Alex first team and so far this campaign he has one goal and nine assists to his name. His solitary strike came against Town at the Alexandra Stadium in September.

Cooper possesses quality from set pieces and his performances for the Railway Men have seen him attract interest from clubs in higher divisions.

Head to head

Overall there have been 83 matches between the two sides, with the Spireites holding the advantage. The record between the two teams is as follows:

Chesterfield – 41 (wins).

Draws - 14.

Crewe - 28 (wins).

Town won the last league fixture between the two clubs at the Proact 3-1 in February 2016, thanks to goals from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Lee Novak and Connor Dimaio. Zoumana Bakayogo netted for the Alex

From the dugout

Following Saturday’s disappointing defeat to Stevenage, Lester has urged his injury-ravaged squad to pull together and give the Town faithful something to cheer about on Boxing Day.

“It’ll be a strong challenge,” he said. “But we’re the home team and we’ll take the game to them.”

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